Mayor Rahm Emanuel told a group of Merge Healthcare providers Friday he wasn't counting the number of jobs he helped bring to Chicago since his time in office.
But he is, and he should.
Emanuel cited nearly 7,000 new jobs he announced so far, from GE Capital, United Airlines, Walgreens, Chase Bank, SeatonCorp, EMC Inc., Allscripts, Motorola Solutions and Ford. (Well, Ford may be the work of others.)
He racked up more Friday thanks to Merge Healthcare adding 200 health information technology jobs to the city in the next two years.
Merge also will set up 100 Vitals Kiosks, internet-connected health stations where folks can check their vitals for free, throughout the city.
Another big win for Emanuel as he continues to hold up Chicago in the conventions field, the company will hold its national convention in Chicago through 2014.
"I cannot thank Merge enough, not only for the 200 jobs but for the 100 kiosks throughout the city that will be part of this integrated, comprehensive strategy to drive economic growth, create jobs and create a better, healthier workforce."
